Black Water: Don’t Believe the Hype

In case you haven't heard, there's something dark in the water. Just like the lbd (little black dress) is a must-have item in your closet, some claim blk. water (or rather, black water) should be a staple in your fridge....

With celeb chuggers, an appearance in the Emmy Awards gift bag and representation by the Manzo brothers (of Real Housewives of New Jersey fame), this latest take on H20 is primed to take the water market by storm.

Blk. water’s dark color comes from the addition of fulvic acid produced by the biodegration of dead organic matter (yummy, right?). The product reportedly provides a bevy of trace minerals and electrolytes while also helping to balance the human body’s pH levels. A bonus: the word around the water cooler is that it makes a great hangover cure, because of its ability to quickly transport nutrients to cells.

But we’re not going to sugarcoat it: Not only is this stuff very dark (think stale coffee or flat Pepsi), experts argue that it’s more of a gimmick than a godsend. The packaging and minimalist design are very hip and the black color certainly draws attention, but is it really better than plain old water?

According to Christine Gerbstadt, M.D., registered dietitian and author of Doctors Detox Diet, not a chance. Here’s why:

1. The company boasts that blk. water contains both fulvic and humic acid (found in soil, sediment and aquatic environments). But neither fulvic acid or humic acid are required in humans.

2. The addition of these two acids to water in no way enhances the nutritional benefits of water.

3. A plant-based diet will provide the same phytonutrients that black water claims to have, along with added soluble and insoluble fiber. Plus, plant foods will fill you up and help you shed pounds.

4. There is no quick fix or perfect food. And nothing shuttles nutrients into your body’s cells better than real food.

On the plus side, blk. water won’t harm you, and it looks kind of cool. But we’ll stick with filtered tap.